Why has Steel become one of the best construction materials of the 21st Century?

For many years iron was the fundamental base of many infrastructures across the world. However since steel has been discovered, it has now become the go to material for most major constructions. This is why it has become its own separate industry with suppliers such as the Blake Group.

The metal is an alloy and a combination of iron and carbon. This creates a metal which has a greater strength to weight ratio then many other metals. It is a very durable metal and can withstand a variety of weather conditions, meaning it will not rust as much as iron if exposed to the elements. Another benefit of using the alloy in construction is that it can be recycled numerous times. Even if it is used 3 or 4 times it will not lose any of its other qualities. Its flexibility as a material means that it has the ability to be altered once the structure has already been built.

The use of steel in large scale projects can help to speed up the construction process. When used in the inner city it can be effective at reducing disruption with city roads or day to day life. Looking towards the future steel offers an environmentally friendly option for construction due to its recyclable nature. Over half of the steel used in the world is now recycled steel from previous structures, which shows just how efficient a material it is.

How to Create an Indulgent Den for Adults

Some of our best childhood memories are the memories that we have of creating dens. Whether we invited others into our worlds or kept them to ourselves, we understood that a den was our private space – somewhere to relax and to get away from it all. That appealed even when we were young, creating forts and pitching play tents in the garden, but as we grew we found that we had less time to build dens as life, work and day-to-day responsibilities got in the way.

Somehow, as our world became somewhere that we more often needed to escape, we stopped escaping from it. Play tents were stored in the cupboard under the stairs, the sofa stopped becoming a fort and we no longer propped a duvet up in the air so that we could hide underneath it with a battery-powered torch. We lost our childhood escape.

Now, why not create a den again? Why not find some space in your house to let your inner child out? Find a room that isn’t being used for anything important, or use room dividers to create a separate space, and take yourself back to those carefree days when you really knew how to relax.

Seating
Chairs are boring! When you were a kid, what could beat flopping down on a big beanbag or sinking into a pile of large cushions? Soft furnishings are the key to a good adult den. A nice duvet to relax under, coupled with a pile or cushions or pillows, will ensure that you can enter your den and experience instant comfort rather than spending time trying to adjust your position on a chair or sofa. Cover the floor – go crazy!

Entertainment
Your iPad, connected to your office email, doesn’t count. Your den needs to be a place where you can get away from it all. A TV is fine, but don’t take your phone or tablet into the room. Add a small bookshelf, and consider stacking a few board games in the corner. Make your den the place that you play your guitar, listen to music, paint or knit but, whatever you do, don’t let the outside world in.

Decorations
Don’t be afraid to go a little wild with your decorations, either. When was the last time you had posters on your wall? You might make sure that your decorations and furnishings complement each other throughout the rest of your home, but your den can be a place where nothing matches and you can let all sides of your personality out at the same time. If you love cartoon superheroes and cute cuddly kittens, put the two side by side. What could possibly feel better than snuggling down for a nap with those glowing plastic stars lighting a ‘sky’ on the ceiling?

Imagination
Your home should be your sanctuary, but as our commitments encroach on our personal space we’re losing the ability to relax after a long day in the office or an afternoon caring for an elderly relative. People are constantly worrying, and the stress can get too much. Instead of thinking about artistic interior design for one of the more public rooms in your house, stop for a while and create somewhere that you really want to spend time.

What would you have in your den? Have you already created one? What are your favourite memories of your childhood den? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

How to roof your house for the winter

There are a variety of options when it comes to roofing your house. There are a whole host of materials that can be used; but which is the most effective one to be used this winter?

Here is a list of my top three materials for the winter:

1. One of these could be wood shake, this is a material used for people who like to have an aesthetically pleasing roof. The wood changes colour in damp and cold weather leading it to change to what some may perceive an even better look. Making it especially good for the winter as you may come through it with a better looking roof.

2. Concrete roof tiling is another option. This would be extremely useful for those who live in a place with volatile weather conditions. Since they are heavy duty they are able to uphold in storm-like weather conditions whilst also having the ability to be fireproof.

3. Metal roofing has become more popular in recent times for homes in a cold climate. The metal is durable and will last many decades whilst also having the ability to allow snow and ice to slide off. It has become popular in cities such as New York, and can now be found in the majority of roof suppliers such as RT Roofing Supplies.

Shower Heads – A Brief Q&A

You would be well within your rights to view the title of this piece and give a subtle – or maybe not-so-subtle! – roll of the eyes. You’d think that something as prima facie straightforward as a shower head would not require anything approaching intense thought, but with the range of designs and construction methods now, I’m afraid you must devote some more time to choosing your shower head.

To this end, I’ve broken down some of the most frequent queries I receive from people looking for a new shower head.

What material(s) should my shower head be made of then?

The manufacture of your shower head is of more importance than you might first think. Quality of build equates to longevity, which in turn leads to saving you money as you don’t have to replace or repair your unit. Steel heads are fine and – if on a budget – there is nothing wrong with well-made plastic heads, but the very best, I think, are solid brass shower heads. With the right coating, brass items offer unbeatable resistance to corrosion and the type of strength you will need for day-in, day-out use.

What are my design options?

This is a bit of a ‘length of a piece of string’ question now. Before you were fairly well set with very drab, very functional shower heads, arranged in simple round or square shapes. Nowadays these styles have been completely mixed up, with three-headed head units just one of the modern designs available. Also popular are star-shaped designs, which look good even when switched off.

Anything you can recommend to make my heads stand out?

Following on from simple looks above, there are other things that really move away from orthodox shower design. Perhaps most popular are LED shower heads, which dazzle with their varying hues that colour your bathroom when the thermostatic shower itself is activated. Other attractive modifications come with the actual delivery of the water. Waterfall heads, for instance, do away with the classic individual nozzles, commingling to form a spray, and instead produce one long cascade. This looks extremely impressive once the shower is switched on, as the singular smooth body of water is very pleasing to the eye.

One final piece of advice that I couldn’t leave you without is something that applies to all purchases. Essentially, be sure to research your warranty options. A long warranty indicates quality, as the stockist clearly trusts their products to last. Furthermore, should the worst happen, you know you have a back-up, and that you won’t be shelling out any more money. I have seen guarantees in excess of a staggering ten years on the market, so be sure to do your research.

Stairlift Use in the UK: An Insight

As we age, there are many new changes that may occur – both to our health and our attitudes. With an aging population, the UK and the wider global community are being forced to invest more time, energy and resources into developing systems that can help these vulnerable persons live a long and comfortable life.

Stairlifts are a big part of this – but just what are the key findings about stairlift use in the UK?

The UK population

As with many developed countries or nations, the UK has what is known as an ageing population. This is where larger and larger proportions of the population are in their later years – something which puts increasing pressure on those of working age.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics claim there were more than 12,230 people aged over 100 years of age in England in Wales in 2012. This has increased from a mere 2,560 people 30 years ago with the number of people aged over 90 years tripling over a similar time period.

According to a poll by Anchor, 77% of adults think the UK isn’t ready to cope with the changes to its demographic. Although there have been recent changes to retirement ages and pension structures, the truth is that areas such as healthcare and housing are falling short of demand and this is something which needs addressing if elderly citizens are to get the life they deserve.

Stairlifts in the UK

One of the key ways in which individuals are coping with the difficulties of old age is through the fitting of stairlifts in their home. While there are no exact figures on the numbers currently owned or in-use, there are some statistics for us to review.

Some firms have reported as much as 5% increases in sales for the third year in a row as the aging UK population continues to grow. For this portion of our demographic, mobility issues (which can lead to the need for a stairlift) are commonplace.

The unfortunate fact is that many of these people do not always get the care they deserve. Even in 2001, more than three-quarters (78%) of elderly people with mobility problems said they got help or care from those living in their home or from spouses.

For those who live alone, this poses real problems and it’s hardly surprising that a number of elderly people move from their family homes as the approach later life. Unfortunately, care homes don’t always offer the support and financial viability they promise. In fact, a report on The Daily Mail from April 2014 claimed that thousands of care home residents were being told to ‘pay more or move out’.

A viable alternative

Instead of feeling the need to relocate when they get older and are no longer able to cope with common areas of difficulty, such as the stairs, elderly people could simply invest in a stairlift to help them retain their independence and live in the house they’ve grown to call home.

There are a fantastic selection of stairlifts available, including curved stairlifts which are designed to fit curved staircases as opposed to straight ones. With so much choice and a population that is continuing to age, the benefit of choosing these products is clear!

Home Security for the festive period

Crime statists show that criminal activity increases during the Christmas period as homes are full of expensive gifts or left unattended for a few days. During the festive period home owners should take a minute to consider how secure their home and contents are. These security tips highlight the security flaws that criminals look for when scouting for potential targets.

How secure does the property look? 

Thieves will always look for an easy entry and exit route, if they cannot readily see an easy way in, they will bypass your home and choose an easier target. Making your home look secure is therefore vitally important. Doors and windows that appear old and un-cared for will give the impression of a poorly maintained house and a potential target, all external doors should be fitted with high security door locks and all windows should be fitted with a key operated lock.

An untidy garden can also give the impression of an unloved house, thick bushes can be used as hiding places for crooks and any unsecured items in the garden could be used to access the property, always put away or lock up garden items such as ladders, these could be used to gain access to an upstairs window.

If you do go away for Christmas, ensure that any deliveries are cancelled, these can be a dead giveaway that no one is home. Royal Mail offers a post holding service called Keepsafe™ , this facility holds onto mail for a pre-set period of time, so instead of letting your post and parcels build up let Royal Mail keep hold of them.

Good Lighting 

External lights with motion sensors can be used at the front of a property, these will come on when the house is approached. Security lights can also be used to illuminate dark corners that could be potential hiding spots for intruders looking to break into a property. There are now many solar powered lights that can be easily fitted without the need of an electrician. Internal lights can also be used to good effect, giving off the impression that people are at home, light timers can be used to switch a light on when it gets dark.
Cables for Christmas lights should never be fed through an open window, instead install an external power socket.

Home Safes

Small home safes that can be hidden away are now popular security items for many households, important and valuable items can be securely stored in the safe. During the festive period it can be a good idea to store gift receipts in a safe, that way if the worst was to happen, you still have proof of purchase and value. Small key safes are now being used to good effect to protect keys for other parts of the house and vehicle keys. If someone were to gain access to your home, any keys that are left in the ‘key pot’ would allow easy entry to other locked parts of the home. Car keys can also be stored within small key safes, if a thief was to gain access to your home, car keys left unsecured give the criminal easy access to your vehicle as well.

Social Media

Thieves have started to use social media as a method to find out when properties will be vacant, it is therefore essential not to give this information away. Check your social media setting and make sure that only friends and family can see your updates, better still, not advertise that you will be away for a few days. This point is also valid when posting pictures of the brand new bike you received for Christmas, this could be an advert to an offender that you have a new valuable item stored within your property.

Remember, stay safe over Christmas, have a great time with family and friends and look out for others that are vulnerable or alone.

This article has been supplied by the locktrader team, check out their website www.locktrader.co.uk supplying low cost locks and security for the home.

Looking for Eco-Friendly Christmas Lights?

Christmas is fast approaching and more than ever before we are looking to make purchases that are not only great value but can help the environment as well. If you are looking for an original, vibrant and eco-friendly way of brightening the outside of your home this festive season, take a look at our great offerings of some eco-friendly Christmas lights

So how do solar lights work? Solar garden lights work through the photovoltaic (PV) effect. This PV effect is the term used for the process to describe when sunlight generates energy in solar cells and this is also called photovoltaic cells. As the solar lights charge right through the day, it stores the sufficient amount of energy to light an entire garden path or walk way throughout the night, and the cycle is then repeated again when the sun rises.

We have a vast range of beautiful fairy lights that can transform the outside of your home and are powered by solar energy. Not only are these lights long lasting but they also offer great performance and are not necessarily just to be used at Christmas – giving that extra bit of sparkle to your home and garden all year round.

We are experienced in the sector of solar fairy lights and can offer our expertise when purchasing your eco-friendly Christmas lights this year and every year. If you would like our help or any further information, do not hesitate to contact us today via phone or email.

Improving Your Home? Don't Forget Your Car!

The new year is almost upon us and we often make resolutions that include some DIY around the house to improve our homes, but make sure you don’t neglect your car – that needs some TLC too, especially as it is thought that we spend 37,935 hours driving our cars in an entire lifetime!

Here are several other ways that you can improve your car, particularly if you are working with a budget:

• Remove any junk you have in your vehicle. This could be anything from empty food wrappers to books to sports equipment to spare clothes! This can help to not only add a sense of ‘lightness’ to the vehicle but also help how the car performs in terms of mileage, handling and braking distance.

• Use the best oil there is on offer and make sure you change it regularly. This can help make your vehicle run better and your car will be grateful for it.

• Replace any old spark plugs and air filters. This can help to boost the vehicle’s horse power and make the vehicle run better in general.

• Invest in the tires that you use and make sure they are inflated. This can make all the difference for vehicle performance, speed and keeping you safe.

We can provide brake caliper ranges include Haldex, BPW, SAF, and Foden and we supply re-conditioned brake calipers all over the UK for use on all variants of trailers and Lorries.

 If you need any help or information, please do not hesitate to get in contact via phone or email.

How to Keep Your Swimming Pool Clean and Hygienic

When it comes to owning and looking after a swimming pool, we understand and appreciate the importance of keeping the pool clean and hygienic. The correct water chemistry is necessary for keeping a swimming pool clean, safe and sanitised for swimmers, and the maintenance of a swimming pool's chemicals can save those who own a pool not only time but money as well. Various swimming pool chemicals are available from us that offer a great value way of keeping your swimming pool sanitised at all times.

What is it that makes a swimming pool dirty anyway? There are a few key factors that contribute to making a swimming pool unclean. Dirt and bacteria can be picked up from:

• People – when people swim in your pool, body fats, bacteria, nitrogen and ammonia are released as well as any dirt that may have been collected on the body before entering the pool.

• Dirt – dust and dirt can enter the pool from leaves, bird droppings, muddy feet and insects, adding to the not quite clean condition of the water.

• New water – residue is carried in rain water and can get into the pool by washing in from the sides.

• Algae – algae can build up gradually on any body of water that is not moving constantly and comes in thousands of colours and types.

If you need any help or more information please do not hesitate to get in contact via phone or email today.

New technology, winter weather and mobility: key issues affecting our elderly

In today’s world, there are many issues which affect us all on a day-to-day basis. For most of us, they’re easy to cope with but this isn’t always the case for the elderly. As a more vulnerable demographic, these individuals need extra care and consideration at times and here are some of the key issues currently affecting them.

New technology

The rise of the internet and the advent of smartphones and other high-tech devices is well documented but just how does it affect the elderly? There is a split opinion here with some people feeling the elderly are resistant to change while others acknowledge that the systems have infiltrated all age groups; albeit in varying ways.

The key issue here is that a lack of education and financial support means not all elderly individuals can use these services to their full potential. Over in Australia, the state’s peak health group has issued a plea to telecommunication giants including Telstra and Optus to subsidise the costs of internet access for the elderly.

According to their research, people aged 65 years or over who have internet access at home are more likely to avoid social isolation by volunteering, being active in their local community and staying in touch with their family.

Unfortunately, despite the benefits, internet penetration figures for those in the upper age brackets aren’t as high as authorities would like. In Victoria, 43% of those aged over 75 years have internet at home – a figure which jumps to a staggering 98% for those aged between 18 and 24 years.

Whether telecommunications firms will get on board with this new idea or not, and whether it is something which begins to affect other nations including the UK, is yet to be seen but it’s certainly a key issue for those more mature in years.

Winter weather

A recurring issue for elderly individuals is that of winter weather. With numerous stories about energy prices and poor heating, not to mention tales about elderly people becoming confined to their homes due to wintry showers, it’s hardly surprising that this is being made a priority by those in positions of power.

The York Press recently reported on how changes to the city’s gritting network could leave elderly and disabled people trapped in their homes once snowy and icy weather hits. As much as 30 miles of road have been removed from the local council’s “primary” gritting list as part of measures to try and save £60,000 and this will mean they’ll only be gritted during severe weather rather than being treated in sub-zero temperatures.

Mobility and care

Another key issue for the elderly is undoubtedly over their health, mobility and care provisions as they age. Social care for elderly individuals has been a big talking point for the UK Government but local communities are also making it a key focus.

In a poll of Derbyshire taxpayers, care homes were one of the things which the community wanted prioritised as the council attempts to save a staggering £157 million by 2018 through spending cuts. This emphasises how local communities are putting the safety and health of their most vulnerable citizens first.

This could mean looking for home aids to increase access around properties and buildings – for items like stairlifts UK suppliers offer a great selection of options – or having more drastic renovations completed to widen access points to homes, add rails and supports and heighten key areas such as toilets, seats and beds.

CarpetRight Infographic

How the Rest of the World Sleeps - An infographic by the team at Carpetright Beds

LED Floodlights

No matter where we go there is always floodlights nearby whether that is in our own yards, car parks or football stadiums. The reason for this is because the floodlights themselves are powerful lights that can power large areas easily with few lights, whereas if it was a standard outdoor light it would take hundreds to generate the same volume of light. Many choose floodlights in their own homes as a security option to keep their homes safe against intruders as the light acts as a deterrent.

LED floodlights have many advantages; one advantage is that they have an extremely long life span; typically they can last up to 50,000 hours. The great thing about this is that they won’t have to be replaced as often therefore there will be a lower running cost so the extra money can be used on other things!

LED floodlights are an eco-friendly option as they use less electricity than halogen floodlights meaning you will save more money on energy bills and help the environment. The LED floodlights themselves can be altered to hit areas directly, for example if you need the light to focus on a certain section of your yard this can be done easily, whereas if it was a standard halogen light this can’t be done as the light inside them split so that they can cover a whole area evenly.

When choosing a floodlight you want them to be durable and sturdy, with an LED floodlight this is the case as they are made to withstand extreme conditions such as rain, snow and hail.

LED floodlights have been proven to emit better light than standard lighting therefore you don’t need as many to brighten up an area. This is great news as you will save on both energy bills and purchasing costs!

Getting your house ready to sell

So you’ve found the house or flat of your dreams and you’ve already started planning where you’ll put the furniture and what colour you’ll paint the walls. Now, all that stands between you and future domestic bliss is the small matter of selling your own property…

A quick sale is what you need, but the process of selling a property can be fraught with frustration and disappointment if you don’t observe some simple rules when buyers come to view. Follow these tips from LDG estate agents and you should be successful. Specialists in Soho properties, they’ve helped many homeowners make that all important sale.

By the time most of us decide to move, we will have fallen slightly out of love with our current homes. Lack of space, small garden, tired décor, limited parking: it’s easy to come up with a list of what’s wrong, but in order to sell your property you will need to reconnect with the reasons why you bought it in the first place.

Your first step should be to make a list of the things that attracted you to buy (make sure all these good points are reflected in the estate agents’ details). Remember the buzz you felt when you first walked through the door? What were the features that really stood out for you then and how can you maximise their impact for potential buyers this time around?

You’ll be familiar with your property’s worst features – that’s why you’re moving, after all – but you should try to look at them objectively. You may not have the time or resources to completely redecorate but there’s a lot you can do to hide the worst defects.

Has your spare room become a dumping ground? Then buy some cheap storage containers for your surplus stuff and conceal the rest under the bed. Possessions lying on windowsills or piled on top of wardrobes are a dead giveaway that your current property lacks adequate storage space, so clear up, and clean up.

Fix any outstanding DIY job – there’s nothing more off-putting for a buyer than to be confronted by a dripping tap in the bathroom, weeds growing out of the guttering or broken tiles in the kitchen. The message these unfinished jobs convey is that you haven’t taken care to maintain your property.

You may have been planning to replace that old kettle, toaster and bread bin as soon as you move, but the best time to purchase those items is now. Put fresh flowers in the hallway, clean towels in the bathroom and make sure that all the usual sights and smells of daily life (socks on the radiator, dog hairs on the couch) are banished.

Finally, even though you may FEEL desperate to make that sale, try not to show it. Don’t follow viewers around like a lost dog, give them some space to explore on their own (if you’re worried about security, make sure that any valuables are well concealed). Prepare in advance for buyers’ questions and offer them the answers that you would want to hear, especially when it comes to that all-important phrase: “We’ve always been very happy here”.

Your New Bathroom Suite – Essential Items

I’ll level with you straight away, as I’m sure I won’t be alone: I’m not that organised. Being sorted out and scheduled is not something that comes all that naturally to me, and unless I go out of my way to fit some structure to my life I would spend most of my days aimlessly walking around the wrong workplace, more than likely in the wrong clothes.

This is why I tend to make lists for everything. It’s a habit picked up from my sister in law, who is like one of those ruthless military planners who run everything to unrelenting clockwork. 

With this inspiration, I want to help alleviate any stress you might be having putting your new bathroom together. To this end I have chucked together a quick list for you below to refer to as you wander, shell-shocked, around your local store or website. 

Fixtures & Fittings

Let’s start at the finish, with the finishing touches that are fixtures and fittings. Taps, for instance, require careful selection to match both the style you need, while getting the correct connectors, screws and other similar items makes for an installation that is a doddle. 

Ceramics

The main items that will immediately catch the eye are your ceramics. Make time to research ceramics units, as some materials are different to others. Toilets generally are styled as close coupled or back to wall, the latter far more contemporary due to its concealed cistern – this makes for a gloriously minimalist look. If you are given the option, do go for a dual flush toilet, as the conservation of water will help reduce your utility bills. 

Shower

The first thing to get out of the way is whether you are going to go with a thermostatic or standard mixer valve shower. The predominant difference is that a thermostatic shower maintains a constant temperature, whereas a standard mixer needs your input to manually keep the temperature you want. Your budget and system will dictate which you opt for here, so look into the pros and cons of both types before committing yourself. 

Furniture & Storage

The bathroom has the same needs as any other room, and  this includes storage.  Solutions include vanity units, mirror cupboards or freestanding or wall-mounted units. MDF boards and/or stainless steel are the key materials to look out for here as both are durable and strong. A number of different finishes are available too, so there is no need to worry as there will be something to match your room’s theme.  

Heating

Electric radiators are items of serious utility to install in your bathroom. This is because –whether electric or dual fuel through the addition of an element – you can switch on these radiators in isolation. Even if you want to stick with tried and tested central heating power, all shapes and sizes are catered for, from curved models to designer vertical units.

Portable Heating: Fan vs. Oil

As the cold winter nights start rolling in, now is the best time to get your home ready for the arrival of Jack Frost!

Central heating is often the best solution for heating your home throughout the winter months, but if your home is not fitted with a permanent central heating source or you have certain rooms in the home that are difficult to heat, it may be worth investing in a portable heater to keep your family warm this winter.

With so many different types of portable heaters on the market, it can be difficult to decide which will not only heat your home the most efficiently, but also which will make the smallest increase to your heating and electricity bills. With heating the home accounting for more than 50% of the average household energy usage, choosing the best portable heating solution for your home is essential.

We’re taking a look at the pros and cons of fan heaters VS oil heaters, the two most common portable heaters available on the market. Ranging in price, both heaters are ideal for warming up the home quickly, but how do they compare?

Oil Filled Heaters

Pros

• Oil-filled heaters are usually the cheapest to run out of all ranges of portable heaters, as they stay warm for a long time, even once switched off.

• They generally have a larger surface area, so they are ideal for heating larger rooms in the home.

• Oil-filled radiators are reliable heat sources, quiet in the home and most importantly are long lasting.

Cons

• Oil radiators reach extremely high temperatures, therefore they can be dangerous if you have children in your home, and could cause great harm.

• Some oil-filled heaters can take a very long time to heat up after switching them on, as most are fairly heavy and cumbersome.

• Many models don’t always achieve the power and heat claimed by manufacturers; therefore you might not get the heating power you expect for your home.

Average Cost per Hour

• Oil-filled radiator = 12.2p per hour (Price varies by wattage and electricity prices)

Fan Heaters

Pros

• Fan heaters are relatively quick to heat up and cool down, which makes them perfect for smaller rooms in the home.

• Fan heaters have the added advantage that they blow the heat around the room, which means heat circulation is aided and the air in the room can heat up quickly.

• Fan heaters are light and compact, making it easy to move them from room to room if necessary.

• Many fan heaters have a thermostat and timer, which allows you to adjust the temperature and length of time the heater, is circulating hot air in your home.

• Fan heaters are the best choice for home owners with children as hot air can move freely in and out of the heater – therefor the heater itself does not get too hot.

Cons

• Given that portable electric heating devices use electricity, they are generally not as cost effective as central heating systems running on gas or oil.

• Fan heaters are guaranteed to make noise as the hot air in blown out – the noise level will vary with different fan heaters.

Average Cost per Hour

• Fan heater = 24.2p per hour (Price varies by wattage and electricity prices)7

Online discount store www.tjhughes.co.uk stock a wide range of portable heaters starting from only £7.99 - shop online today or visit one of their nationwide stores.

Extend Your Home Rather Than Move

Seems like this recession (depression feels like a better word) has been dragging on for years. But we still have our lives to live, our families to raise and our dreams and ambitions to fulfil - whatever the prevailing economic weather.

One of the obstacles that many us of face in the current climate is what to do when we run out of space in our homes. A few years ago the answer was simple - you moved house. These days with a difficult housing market it can be very difficult to sell your existing house and even more difficult to get a bigger mortgage. And besides who wants to take on extra financial risks and burdens at the moment? Not me for sure!

That's why more and more people are choosing to extend their homes. Compared to moving it is a far more cost effective solution and you don't have to suffer all the stress and bother that comes with moving. What's more if you do it right you can actually end up with a house that's specifically right for you rather than accommodating a series of compromises and one that is worth considerably more than you spend on the extension.

For example, one of the key considerations is how to blend your new space in with the old. If you are having a loft or garage conversion this can be straightforward but if you are going for something more substantial it can be more complicated. Sure, just sticking a red brick box at the side or back of your house will do the job but it won't look great and far from improving the value and saleability of your home (when the time does come) it can reduce it. So make sure the extension matches or compliments the existing property. Moreover, you should make sure that your extended home blends in with the area and doesn't stand out like some sort of monstrous carbuncle that will offend you and your neighbours as well as Prince Charles.

And then there's the issue of scale. You probably don't want to over extend your house. There are rules in the planning regulations that would prevent you from doing this but notwithstanding these having a house that it is out of kilter with the properties around you could mean that your property will be difficult to sell on in the future and you won't see the gains in value that you may be expecting.

For me getting it right means proper planning. Understand what your space requirements actually are (and what they are likely to be in a few years time as your family grows). Consulting an experienced architect or builder at an early stage is a no brainer. They can help you understand what is feasible and how your space requirements can be met. They will help with some of the practical considerations so that your dream house extension doesn't become your property millstone. Make your architect or builder your friend and it will pay dividends in the future.

For more information on home and house extensions see 3D Builders Stockport.

Why use Pine Wood in your Home?

If you are looking start a new home improvement project –materials will be something you consider.

Glass, concrete, brick or wood are key materials that spring to mind.

Wood is often favoured because of its beauty and flexibility. But when it comes to the decision of which wood to use - do you really have any idea which wood is right for your home?

You’re generally spoilt for choice when deciding which wood you want your bookshelves, furniture or cabinetry to be - do you use maple, oak, cedar?

The Timelessness of Pine

Pine wood is very popular for homeowners these days because more of us are aware of how our choice of material affects the environment.

Pine wood is being sourced from forests which are grown sustainably.

Not only this, but it is one of the most affordable and versatile options for wood. For those working with wood, pine is favoured as it is easy to work with during the building process; it holds any fasteners tightly, it is easy to cut, is fairly inexpensive and finishes very well! Pine is one of the most affordable and versatile options for wood. And it’s timeless.

But have you ever thought about using pine wood as the theme for the overall design in your home? Let’s break down some of the benefits:

• Stylish

When it comes to your home décor, pine wood can be mixed with other furniture pieces in a room or you could even make it the theme! For instance if you prefer a warm rustic look – then aged pine might be the way to go for you.

Pine is also very beautiful to look at – with its natural patterns and knots; it contributes to a unique look. Therefore you can retain the natural beauty and texture of the wood with minimal staining.

• Customisable

Pine wood is very flexible which is very desirable for do it yourself enthusiasts who enjoy painting or quite possibly incorporating personalised designs within the actual wood.

If you’re looking to decorate your pine furniture, it couldn’t be simpler – paint takes very well to pine wood because of its open grain, therefore you can paint pine easily to match your scheme. And if you change your mind – you can always re-paint it again and again!

• Easy to work with

Although pine is classified as a soft wood, it’s still very durable and long lasting and therefore is a favourite of furniture makers because it’s a lot easier to work with –- making sawing a pleasure!

The open grain in the wood gives a better grip for adhesives and so it readily absorbs preservatives, stains and paints.

Because it is very durable and long lasting – it can take on areas with high foot traffic, perfect for flooring or decking in your home.

Whether you want something tasteful and understated, rustic and welcoming or modern and sleek, pine can create the look you want.

Cut Down on Water Waste in the Home

In Britain we use 9 billion litres of water per week! With such a high water consumption, the need to cut down on water waste in the home has never been so paramount. A recent report by the Energy Saving Trust revealed that the main culprits for water waste in the home were those taking long showers and even those running taps while waiting for the water to heat up.

Water waste not only has a major impact on the environment, but it can also place added strain on those already pricey water and heating bills. Here are a few ways that you can cut down on the water waste in your home…

Take Shorter Showers 

The Energy Saving Trust report found that the majority of us take seven and half minutes to shower. They advised that simply cutting 60 seconds off this average shower time could collectively save homes in Britain £216 million a year in water and energy bills – with potential great savings, that extra 60 seconds really does affect those pricey bills!

Install an Adaptive Circulator Pump 

Waiting for water to run hot is one of the biggest causes of water waste in the home, and a typical household of three pours up to 16,000 litres of clean water straight down the drain, simply because the water was not running warm – this wastes approximately 1.5 decilitres of water per second.

To remedy this long waiting time, an on-demand circulator pump such as Grundfos Comfort circulator pumps can adapt to your home’s hot water consumption patterns, this means that you only get hot water when you need it, and hot water is readily available for these instances - Find out more about Hot water pumps here.

Fit an Eco-Shower Head

While it is common fact that taking showers over baths can help reduce the amount of water that a home uses, some showers such as power showers can actually waste more water than an average bath. To ensure that your shower is eco-friendly, an eco-shower head can be installed to mixer shower or power showers and can save up to 75% water without compromising on your overall shower experience.

Autumnal Inspiration: The Regency

Ready to begin transforming your home for autumn but stuck over where to begin? Thankfully, we have some great style inspiration for you to take advantage of and our current focus is on the regency – a fantastic collection of bedroom accessories and furniture that are sure to help you put your own unique stamp on your home.

What’s the style?

The style of the Regency is one of indulgence and luxury – and isn’t that what we all deserve in our bedrooms? Take a look at the luxurious silk materials and dusky, muted colours which exude class and sophistication at every turn to get everything you need to transform your bedroom.

These thick and comfortable materials are perfect for autumn when the weather begins changing and colder climates start to make their presence known.

What colours?

The colour of the regency range has two functions – to be cosy and warming in the colder weather and to represent an idea of opulence. This is why dusky purple, dark grey and other muted or pastel tones work best. They’re great for conjuring up a clean and luxurious look whilst offering more warmth than white, cream or magnolia.

These colours also work well with accents so why not choose accessories in darker or deeper shades for a multi-tonal look? Dusky purple paired with vibrant violet is always a strong style choice but there are other things you can do too.

If sticking with a base colour of grey or muted brown then why not introduce traditional autumn colours as your accent? This fantastic article from DigsDigs offers 31 decorating ideas that centre around using autumnal colours in the bedroom and is a great source of inspiration for anyone looking to use the regency range in a new and interesting way.

What furniture?

Of course, the regency style isn’t all about the colours and there are certain items of furniture which are must-haves for this sort of design. Ultimately, you want to opt for traditional, classic designs which are associated with royal or regal palaces and homes.

This means items such as a chaise lounge are essential – as are large beds with plenty of dressings including luxurious throws and scatter cushions made from materials such as silk or velvet. Curtains are also an essential ingredient although fabric roller blinds may be suitable if used correctly.

Another must have is a luxurious headboard. These can really make a room but you want to choose something traditional with classic charm rather than a modern, metal configuration. There are plenty of suede and leather options available, as well as the traditional Damask, but we recommend opting for something quilted or subtly patterned for real impact.

Finally, remember that the rest of your furniture needs to match the style. This doesn’t mean touring antique stores for large, chunky pieces of furniture but rather means keeping the rest of your decor simple.

Plain wood storage squares and tables are ideal so opt for something with smooth, straight lines with no decoration and ensure its left in its plain wood state or lightly varnished for ultimate impact.

LED Lighting

As the winter approaches electricity bills are beginning to soar with the creeping in cold weather. The cold weather means more homes are keeping their heating on for longer periods and as a result people dread to see their electric bills. You may ask how can you save on electricity? Well the answer is energy saving LED lighting.


LEDs have been around for many years and are best known for lighting things such as Christmas lights, traffic signals and power on signal on devices such as our TVs and laptops. However LED lighting in our household has become more popular and is rapidly replacing standard incandescent light bulbs. The most popular LED lighting that can be seen in homes today are LED spotlights and LED floodlights.

LED lights have a small chip and when voltage reaches this chip the current creates the light. The advantage of this is that the LED bulb lasts longer meaning less cost in the home as the bulbs wouldn’t have to be replaced as often making them earth friendly too! LED lighting requires less electricity than a standard light bulb making them more efficient and will reduce energy bills.

LED lighting can use up to 80% less energy than the standard house bulb meaning a huge cut in costs and they are known in some cases to last up to 100,000 hours. However, they do carry a disadvantage, a higher initial purchase cost, which is why at Meteor Electrical we are aiming to keep them affordable for you!

Why You Should Choose a Thermostatic Shower

The shower is now seen – rightly – as not just a place for convenient hygiene, but of relaxing luxury, too. With the advent of additional jets and enclosed shower cabins, with radios and other flashy features, it is perhaps not surprising this is the case.

The thing is, some people still stick to the traditional mixer taps and valves, which have a number of significant drawbacks. Now, sometimes this decision is forced, as the type of shower you can have in your home often comes down to what type of system you have. For example, certain power showers require minimum pressure levels to ensure optimal performance. This is fair enough.

The nub of the issue however is that thermostatic showers are far easier to use and offer better performance. The main thing – and it might seem petty – is that it will give you an uninterrupted flow of water at a constant temperature. This alleviates that common, early-morning frustration of twiddling endlessly with your taps, alternating between scalding lava and arctic sea temperatures! This also leads to less water wastage, as more of it goes on you and not just gurgles uselessly down the plug hole.

Leading on from this point is the issue of safety. Cold water is not likely to give you anything more than an unpleasant jolt, and perhaps hypothermia if you inexplicably don’t get yourself out of the way within an hour or so! Overly hot water however is a safety issue, and thermostatic showers deal with this. This is because top class thermostatic valves have special features built in. Foremost among these are anti-scalding valves that do not allow water exceeding 38 degrees Celsius from transiting the valve. This gives you peace of mind, as you know your family is protected from extremely hot water.

The good thing about these thermostatic showers is that they provide utility with no detriment to style, longevity and looks. These valves, rails and other accessories come in a variety of designs and finishes, including chrome, which fit seamlessly with traditional or contemporary bathroom suites.

As they are of such a quality, you will find that manufacturers and stockists are prepared to back their thermostatic showers with guarantees of significant length. It’s not unknown for warranties of up to 10 years to be offered, so if you go in for one of these showers be sure to research your options.

In summary, a thermostatic shower mixer will set you back on the initial outlay, but this will be paid back through increased usability, peace of mind through safety and money saved through reducing waste water. It makes sense.

What are the Benefits of Having a Smeg Flueless Fire in the Home?

One hundred years ago, the fire used to be an essential part of the home. Grand fireplaces were the fashion, billowing out warmth.

In this contemporary age, they have been re-vamped into wall-mounted appliances with stylish aesthetics and excellent functionality. At the forefront of this revolution are Smeg with their fluless gas fires.

Originally from Italy, Smeg is renowned for their premium domestic appliances. Today, they are one of the world’s leading manufacturers, stealing centre stage in every home and responding to everyday demands.

Smeg ensures their core values of ‘technology with style’ are embodied through their fires. This sets them apart in producing elegant and efficient appliances, and their flueless fires are no exception to this.

The real benefit of these fires is their compatibility: due to their unique catalytic converter systems (which safely converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide), a chimney or flue is not required, so can be wall-mounted to blend in or make a bold statement in any room of the household.

Smeg have also designed these with complete safety in mind, as these wall-build fires come with a built in oxygen depletion sensor and flame failure device allow for peace of mind.

As well as catering for the contemporary home, Smeg have also considered a contemporary issue: the environment. As the company has made environmental sustainability one of its priorities, all Smeg flueless fires have been designed with environmental considerations in mind, and therefore have an impressive 100% efficiency rating as the fire convert the used gas into heat.

Their three ranges (Linea, Classic and Retro Style) are effortlessly stylish with interchangeable fascias, and are fully adjustable depending on the level of comfort you desire. View an extensive range of Smeg flueless fires at Superior Fires.

Overall, there are many benefits of these fires. Smeg has successfully harmonised design, technology and efficiency, making them a timeless addition to any household.

Why is Stainless Steel Such a Popular Domestic Material?

2013 marks a celebratory a century of design and innovation following the discovery of stainless steel in 1913. Stainless steel has become an increasingly popular material not only in architecture, technical equipment, health and environmental products but also consumer goods. When it comes to home appliances and furniture the material has a lot to offer.

With so many benefits such as being aesthetically pleasing in design, easy to maintain and a long life span, stainless steel products are definitely worth the investment.
Stainless steel is a low carbon metal with a high chromium content which makes it corrosion resistant, an ideal domestic material. There are many unique qualities of stainless steel that make it a leading contender in the choice of suitable materials for the home where water is present, particularly in taps and radiators.

Stainless steel also has self healing properties. A chromium rich oxide film forms across the surface of stainless steel, if it should become mechanically or chemically damaged as long as there is enough oxygen present it will self heal. Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and staining, making it an ideal material for many applications.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Taps

Kitchen taps are one of the main focal points in any modern or traditional kitchen and can really add a little wow factor to any kitchen. Stainless steel taps have many benefits including superior hard wearing properties as they do not readily corrode, rust or stain and do not show up dirt and residue like polished chrome does, making stainless steel a highly regarded material for taps.

The ‘brushed’ finish does an excellent job of not showing water marks and fingerprint smears, much better than the more common polished chrome taps prevalent in most kitchens.

Not only perfect in form stainless steel kitchen taps have become innovative in design. With so many modern and traditional designs to choose from offering the latest convenient features including ceramic disc technology for quarter turn operation and swivel spouts, also easy to clean and maintain, with unrivalled reliability.

Stainless Steel Radiators

Stainless steel radiators have become a very popular bathroom trend due to the large variety of designs available. Stainless steel towel radiators come in an array of designs, sizes including flat panel, curved, arch shaped, ladder design in a range of sizes, are easily maintained and will last for many years.

Radiators used in bathrooms are always surrounded by moisture and water, which is why stainless steel radiators anti rust properties make them a great long term investment for your bathroom. Moreover, stainless steel radiators offer better heat conduction than other radiators, making them a better emitter of heat and will hold heat for a longer period of time, keeping your bathroom warmer for longer.

At Tap Warehouse you’ll find an extensive collection of stainless steel radiators and taps from leading UK suppliers such as Radox, Just Taps, Vellamo and SBH designs to suit both modern and traditional style bathrooms and kitchens. You will also get the very best prices with big discounts off the RRP. Visit www.tapwarehouse.com and add a new focal point to your bathroom.

Wood’s No Good: The Benefits of UPVC Doors

If you are a wooden door compulsive and you have never thought about choosing a UPVC door for your home, perhaps it is time you did. Alternatively if you have pondered the plus point of plastic-based doors but decided against them, maybe you should think again.

This is because there are numerous benefits to a UPVC door, and possibly a few that you are unaware of. Let’s see shall we, by looking at the major advantages of UPVC doors.

• Secure

It is well established that UPVC doors provide more security than traditional wooden doors. The majority of these doors have a galvanized steel core, so they are incredibly hard to break down. UPVC doors are also designed to make it almost impossible to prise open with a crowbar.

• Cost-effective

UPVC doors are cost-effective because they have the capacity to save considerable amounts of energy. These doors are efficiently designed so that they prevent heat loss and also stop cold air from entering the home. This means you don’t have to use as much energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

• Offer noise reduction

As well as keeping out cold, UPVC doors keep out noise and this is a great benefit in built up towns and cities. With these doors you can therefore create a calm and quiet retreat wherever you live.

• Require little maintenance

While wooden doors need regular painting, varnishing and other maintenance to keep them looking presentable, UPVC doors just about look after themselves. The most you need to do is oil the locking mechanism of your door, and that’s about it! This makes UPVC doors perfect for busy people who don’t have the time to constantly touch up a wooden door.

• Smart appearance

Because UPVC doors require almost no maintenance they always look smart. And if you don’t like the clean white look of many of these doors there are numerous other colours to choose from. You can also buy your favourite of the many PCV Door Handles on the market, so that your door looks exactly how you want it to.

If you would like to save energy and therefore money, and get a door that requires next to no maintenance, the answer is simple: a UPVC door. Plus you can benefit from noise reduction and excellent security for your home.

Loop Pile Carpets: Selecting the Right Carpet for Your Flooring

Carpets are a good way to create that warm, vibrant and pleasant atmosphere in your home. However, to get the most out of these floor coverings, it’s best to choose them based on the use you have in mind. So, for instance, if you need a carpet for your hallway, you may want to consider a loop pile carpet. It’s hardwearing, and therefore more suited to high traffic areas.

However, before making a purchase for this kind of carpet, there are some things you should factor in:

Style

When purchasing a loop pile floor covering, you’re bound to come across three distinct types:

• The textured loop
• The level loop, and
• The multilevel loop.

Textured loops vary in height and create patterns resulting in the visibility being increased by certain colour variations. Also, the differences in the sizes of the loops determine the texture of the carpet surface. Similarly, the multilevel collections have varying loop heights, but the variations are more pronounced. On the other hand, level loop carpets have loops of equal height, which gives such carpets a relatively smooth surface.

Apart from the style, it's also good to take into account the density of the carpet, because this very much influences how good it will look and how long it will last.

An Underlay

Just like the carpet itself, an underlay is essential; so, it shouldn’t be overlooked. That’s why, when buying a carpet, it’s important to go for an underlay for carpet. The cushion plays a major role in the appearance and performance of your carpet. Once you put it underneath, it will not only help you achieve a softer and more comfortable feel, but it will also keep your carpet from wearing out, fast.

Maintenance

The texture and colour of the carpet you go for determines the level of maintenance that will go into it. For example, if you have small children or pets in your home, it’s probably best not to choose carpets with bright colours and patterns, as they will stain easily, which can mean regular, intensive cleaning that you may not have the time for.

In addition, you should also factor in the maintenance costs of the carpet. A higher grade carpet may cost more, but, they tend to give you a better and longer service in the long term, so you get more value for your money.

All in all, regardless of the quality, your carpet doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. With a little research and a firm idea of what you need, you can get quality loop pile carpets and underlay at great prices.

Five Top Tips for Garden Maintenance

If your garden is an overgrown jungle or a desolate wasteland all is not lost. Whether you are blessed with green fingers or you could kill cress, the following tips should help you keep an attractive, verdant garden without too much effort.

Gardening really isn’t rocket science and with the right gear and a bit of patience and attention, you too can create an oasis of calm and beauty outside your home. Read on and rejuvenate your outdoor area with our help.

1) Treat your plants to a trim
Leave your garden for months at a time and don’t be surprised if it has turned into a world of untamed triffids. The secret to a great looking garden is to trim little and often. This will encourage growth and keep plants in shape and in check.

2) Invest in appropriate equipment
If you don’t have the right equipment for gardening then treat yourself to a few items, such as a Stretch Hose for watering your shrubbery, some secateurs to trim back bushes and a garden fork to help with sowing seeds and keeping your turf in good health.

3) Let water flow
Irrigation is essential in any garden if you want it to be lush and green, rather than dusty and brown. This means creating a simple irrigation system if you have a sizeable garden – especially so if you live in a warm climate. With adequate water your plant life should thrive with relatively little attention paid to it.

4) Whack those weeds
Dealing with weeds as soon as possible is the best way to keep your garden free of these botanical pests. Pulling them by hand is recommended over chemical weed killer and if you keep a regular eye on your lawn, this shouldn’t take up much of your time. If the problem requires more than hand power, there are various weed killers available that could offer a satisfactory solution.

5) Make sure to mow high
Most people wait ages to mow their lawn and then give it a crew cut, chopping low on the grass blades. Rather than doing that just cut the tops off the grass for a denser lawn. And don’t bother with a grass catcher on your mower, just let the trimmings fall onto the grass.

5 Home Maintenance Tips to Save You Money

Keeping a functional and comfortable home isn’t cheap. There are utility bills, cleaning products can be pricey and then there is the cost of home improvements. But of course these things are necessary for a house or flat you can be proud of.

Thankfully there are a number of ways to minimise home maintenance costs, so read on for some money saving tips.

1) Rent tools that you won’t need again
If you need to use a large floor sander or a hammer drill for a DIY project, think about whether you are likely to use it again. If not, opt for tool rental rather than buying a pricey device that will probably just gather dust in your shed for the next 10 years. There are numerous tool hire companies offering an array of strange and wonderful things that could be very useful, but which you probably don’t need to own.

2) Buy appropriate vacuum bags
There is a huge variety of vacuum cleaner bags available for different brands and different models. Often people can’t find their particular bag at the local shop so simply make do with the nearest size they can find. This may seem like a good idea at the time, but using the wrong bag leads to your vac not working efficiently and means you will have to swap it before it is properly full, costing you money. If you have a Hoover, buy Hoover bags; if you have a Miele vacuum, buy Miele bags. They will save you cash in the long run and make sure that your device works as intended.

3) Save leftover materials
If you have assembled some furniture and you have a handful of spare screws or a few pieces of wood, keep hold of them. Collect all your unused home improvement materials and you will find that they will come in handy for future projects.

4) Get creative with unwanted paint
If you are left with half full cans of paint that you don’t want to use elsewhere in your home, consider whether they could be blended to create an interesting new tone. A gaudy orange and magnolia can create a soft sunset yellow, for instance. Of course you are limited by your leftovers: brown and red won’t combine quite as well!

5) Prevention is better than cure
Fixing up your gutters, cleaning your roof or trimming the ivy might seem like unnecessary work if there is nothing currently wrong with your home, but preventative measures like this can save you significant sums which would be incurred by not staying on top of your maintenance. A little effort now saves a lot of effort, and expense, later.

How to make your home more saleable

It seems that the housing market is finally on the up again so this could be an ideal time to prepare your home for sale. If you want to get the best price possible for your property you should take a look around it and think about how you could add value to it, and make it a more attractive prospect to buyers.

There are loads of ways to increase the value of your home with simple home improvements. Read on for our list of top tips.

Quality conversions

If you have a room in your home that is doing very little other than storing junk and gathering dust, you should consider a conversion. Converting a basement or an attic into an extra bedroom can add significant value to a home and will certainly make it more appealing to buyers.

Insulate your space, add carpets and attractive internal doors and you will start to see what kind of transformation is possible. Skylights and light tubes are also recommended to add natural light to cellars and lofts.

A lick of paint

A simple lick of fresh paint can make a big difference to the impression potential buyers get of a home when they look around. Neutral tones such as white or magnolia are the best plan, as people like to see a property as a blank canvas on which they can create their own style. So, to make your home more saleable for very little money get on your painters overalls and grab your brush and roller.

Fabulous flooring

Quality wooden flooring is another great way to make a home more attractive and desirable without incurring great cost. Bamboo flooring has a pale, natural appearance and looks great in any room or hallway, perhaps accented with a statement rug or two.

A gorgeous garden

To make the most of your property you should spruce up your garden too. Whether you have an expansive lawn or a snug patio you should make the most of this space. Do a little weeding, add some extra plants, hanging baskets and maybe a table and chairs if you don’t currently have one and viewers will see the potential of your outdoor area.

How to improve every room in your home

Home improvement is all about adding value to your home, and it really can if you know what you are doing. Revamping your property is a great way to make it more attractive, more comfortable and more appealing to buyers, if you are considering selling.

It is about making the most of where you live and to do this you should look at ways to improve each and every room. If you look hard enough ideas will strike you as to how you can make a bathroom more pleasant, a bedroom cosier or a kitchen fresher. For more inspiration, simply read on…

Living room

A living room can be upgraded with stylish furniture such as leather sofas, or for a more dramatic change you could add a fresh wall treatment. This could be a new coat of paint, kitsch flock wallpaper, wood panelling or crown moulding.

Kitchen

Kitchens have endless potential and what you do should be based on your taste, of course. Replacing a standard worktop is a great way to spruce up your kitchen. Simple stone gives a lovely finish, as does treated reclaimed wood if you are going for a rustic aesthetic.

Bathroom

A stunning bathroom must have a wonderful bath. There is nothing better than an extravagant freestanding bath as a focal point in your room. If you have the skills and the right tools you could plumb it in yourself and save some cash while creating a luxury bathroom.

Bedroom

While the bathroom is all about the bath, the bedroom should be focused around a fabulous bed. Getting out your toolkit will allow you to construct a flatpack bed and there are some very nice ones available. If you have a little more disposable income a solid wood sleigh bed would most likely improve your space considerably.

Cellar

If you have a subterranean space then add some extra lighting to make it more pleasant and appealing as a place to spend your time. Spotlights are a good idea in basements as they do not compromise what may already be limited headroom.

The list of things you can do to improve your home goes on and on, so embrace your creative side and add real value to your property.

Engineered Flooring in a Kitchen or Bathroom

One thing you don't see so often in the world of wood flooring is a wooden bathroom or kitchen floor, this finish is generally avoided for one simple reason.. moisture.

Despite the natural beauty of solid oak flooring and the durability a solid oak floor can offer it still has an inability to cope when laid into areas of high humidity as the natural wood can act a little like a sponge. This can in turn cause the floor to expand and contract as the moisture levels rise and fall.

Solid oak flooring when sealed correctly with the right finish can cope most admirably but in some cases mainly due to being poorly laid or badly finished, the flooring can let in moisture either through high humidity or when liquid is spilt onto the flooring.

What Makes Engineered Flooring Different?

To combat these problems engineered flooring is designed to keep the inherent natural beauty and durability of it solid oak flooring counterpart, while offering increased stability in bathrooms and kitchens. This is achieved by having a solid oak flake usually 4mm or 6mm thick as a top layer, laminated onto a thick multi laminated plywood backing.

Cross lamination of the ply gives the flooring its structural strength and greatly reduces the effect of humidity and moisture levels normally found in bathrooms and kitchens.

Engineered flooring can be fitted exactly the same as its solid oak flooring counterpart either by laying as a floating floor, nailing or glued down with flexible adhesive. It will give the same finish and feel to the touch, under foot and the difference won't be noticeable when comparing the look.

This post was provided by Heritage Doors and Floors LTD who are experts in engineered flooring and can take your flooring product from concept to completion, they can offer a wide variety of finishes to seal in the look of the floor which will provide a stunning canvas for any room including the once troublesome bathroom and kitchen.